Poland Sentences Two Russians for Wagner Spy Activities

Two Russian citizens, Alexey T. and Andrei G., were sentenced to five and a half years in prison by a Kraków court for their involvement in recruiting for the Wagner Group and conducting espionage for Russia. The men were arrested in August 2023 after distributing propaganda stickers in Kraków and Warsaw that led potential recruits to a Wagner recruitment website. Polish prosecutors argued that their actions were part of a broader hybrid warfare strategy aimed at destabilizing Poland and creating social anxiety regarding the presence of Wagner operatives in the country. The conviction reflects ongoing concerns among NATO countries about increased sabotage and espionage activities linked to Russia since the invasion of Ukraine. Despite their admissions of distributing the materials, the pair pleaded not guilty, claiming ignorance about the nature of their actions. Russia has denied involvement in these activities, despite growing suspicions of state-sponsored operations across Europe.